Book excerpt: This authoritative research tool covers all aspects of California corporate law and practice, providing clear, reliable guidance to the laws, legislative history, and major case law holdings, as well as the authors' well-known expertise and advice on approaching and understanding key corporate transactions. There is no better source on how to handle all key corporate transactions, from corporate formation and governance to takeovers and bankruptcies. Completely current, there is full coverage and insightful, expert analysis of all the critical new issues affecting California corporate law practice, including: What are the various business entities available in California?What are the methods and issues involved in forming those entities?What are the particular benefits of, and restrictions on, using a Limited Liability Company in California?What are the issues involved in financing a California corporation?What are the fiduciary duties imposed upon directors, officers, and controlling shareholders of California corporations?How do you provide notice and hold meetings of directors and shareholders of California corporations?What are the restrictions imposed upon officers and directors in the operation of California corporations?Under what circumstances can a California corporation pay a dividend or make a distribution of property to its shareholders?What are the issues involved in acquiring California corporations, whether by merger, purchase of stock, or purchase of assets?How and under what circumstances can a California corporation be dissolved?What are the issues and requirements faced by a foreign corporation conducting business in California?